The Samurai's Mutation

"That's your mental defense mechanism," Boruto said. "The evolution of the Sharingan comes with intense mental trauma. Your subconscious is protecting you, preventing you from going through something similar again."

"How do I break through?"

"Don't break through," Bridge instructed him in his mind. "Invite her. Have her imagine her consciousness as a castle, and you as a messenger seeking entry. She needs to open the gates herself."

Boruto relayed Bridge's advice. Sarada hesitated for a moment, then an ancient Uchiha castle slowly appeared in her Mental Space. Its walls towered high, and the Sharingan symbol fluttered on its banners. The gates were shut, but a small window had opened.

"I'm in," Boruto's consciousness said softly.

At that moment, Sarada felt a closeness unlike anything she had ever experienced. It wasn't physical, but something deeper—as if someone were reading the first page of her soul. She saw fragments of Boruto's memories: his fear of Momoshiki, his confusion about Shiki, and the birth of the being called "Bridge." At the same time, she sensed that Boruto could see her memories too: her lonely childhood, her complicated feelings about her father, and a secret she had never told anyone—that she had once been jealous of Boruto. Jealous that he had a complete family, jealous that even during his rebellious phase, his parents had accepted him.

"I see it," Boruto's voice sounded in her consciousness, calm and warm. "But that's not all you are. You're more complex than that, and stronger."

Sarada's eyes grew moist. In the traditions of the Sharingan, revealing weakness meant danger. But now, she felt a sense of relief, as if at last someone had helped shoulder a burden she had carried for so long.

"Now," Bridge's voice joined them, gentle yet authoritative, "let me demonstrate the principles of